Proposal for Old Colony Road footbridge resurfaces

The construction of a footbridge over a discontinued section of Old Colony Road may be reconsidered.

Midstate Trail Committee representative Ken Pickren first proposed the idea for a footbridge in May 2006, earning the support of the Conservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Committee. Eight miles of the Midstate Trail run through Princeton, and the idea was to reroute a section of the trail to avoid going through MassAudubon's Wildlife Sanctuary and get 0.7 miles of the trail off public roads.

The proposal called for rerouting the trail to Thompson Road, across Gates Road then to Old Colony Road where hikers could cross the proposed footbridge. The plan was to have the trail extend from there to Old Colony Road west, cross the railroad tracks to Old Colony Road Ext., then to property owned by the University of Massachusetts, which has given permission for the land to be used for recreational purposes.

The former bridge was removed several years ago because it wasn't safe. In May 2004 selectmen voted to abandon maintenance of 1,125 feet of Old Colony Road off Gates Road.

In June 2006, several residents of Old Colony Road strongly objected to constructing a bridge in the area, claiming it would disrupt the quiet neighborhood by attracting dirt bikers, ATVs, snowmobilers and teens having parties. One resident who lives near the proposed-bridge area said he was constantly picking up trash and beer bottles from parties held in the woods.

The issue of a bridge fell to the back burner while efforts were being made to preserve the abutting Bentley Property in the Four Corners neighborhood last year.

These kinds of bridges are being put in across the states, said Open Space Committee member Deb Cary at the Jan. 20 selectmen's meeting. "The Department of Conservation and Recreation has federal funds so we could apply for a grant," she said. "The trail wouldn't have to go through Old Colony Road now because of the preservation of the Bentley land. We've looked at alternatives such as putting stepping stones across another location rather than a bridge."

Selectman Alan Sentkowski suggested Cary meet with the neighbors and police to see whether they support the idea. "As selectmen we don't feel comfortable stuffing this down people's throats," he said. "If the neighbors are in support that would be wonderful."

"We need to find out whether everyone wants this to move forward," said Town Administrator Dennis Rindone. "I don't want to spend town funds on something that isn't going to happen."

"We'll work on the different alternatives and meet with the Four Corners people," said Cary.